Missing from practice

Johnson may not practice this week, but he's expected to play against San Diego. Williams and Daniels are also expected to be back by then.

"We'll stay with our plan," coach Gary Kubiak said about Johnson aggravating his high ankle sprain.

Kubiak said the others are day-to-day.

Brown returns to town

Kris Brown, the last original Texan, will kick for the Chargers on Sunday. The Chargers signed Brown until Nate Kaeding recovers.

Coach Gary Kubiak elected to keep Neil Rackers over Brown after they competed in training camp and preseason.

"Kris is a great young man and a heck of a kicker," Kubiak said. "I know it didn't work out this year, but I'm glad to see him get an opportunity. I wish him all the best, him and his family.

"He deserved that opportunity, and I'm glad to see him get it."

Cushing comfortable

After playing his first game at middle linebacker, Brian Cushing feels more comfortable in his new role.

"I wanted to be more technically sound than anything," he said. "I think as a middle linebacker, you have to be the most responsible guy on the defense.

"A, playing that position, and B, against the team that we played, when you do something like that, you have to be fundamentally sound. I think myself and the defense as a whole, we were pretty good at that."